Osman Khalid Butt has promised to redefine the term ’summer blockbuster’ with his latest theatre production, Superstar Avatār, ‘a tale of passion, obsession, dance, drama…and a little bit of insanity.’ So far, we know at least two really exciting things about this new play. One, it’s not an adaptation - the script is a completely original work, written by Osman himself. In the past four years, Islamabad’s theatre scene has been built around wonderful adaptations of films, novels or other plays. We are now seeing our first major original theatre production in Islamabad, and I think this is a giant progressive leap in this new, modern wave of Pakistani theatre - it could just be to Islamabad theatre what The Lion King and Toy Story were to Disney after its long line of animated adaptations. The theatre community ought to be proud that their field has come so far.

The second really exciting thing is that this new play is bilingual! The characters will speak in the same everyday mix of Urdu and English that we are all familiar with, and that is probably going to make this play so much more relatable for a lot of people - especially those who have been worried in recent years about the place of Urdu and other Pakistani languages in our theatre plays.

So that’s two giant progressive leaps for Osman and his company, The Living Picture Productions (which by the way is used to making progressive leaps - to name one, its first play, the wildly successful Some Like It Hot, was staged entirely without corporate sponsorship.) But what is this revolutionary new play going to be about? The synopsis hasn’t been revealed thus far - but at the CDA’s Theatre Awards at the Islamabad Club on June 24,  the Living Picture did unveil its first teaser trailer for Superstar Avatār, making a massive impact. This was soon followed by a second teaser trailer. Both can be viewed on YouTube as well:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Js0iqTdRDI&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXrB9_7FwhM&feature=user

Osman also revealed in a recent press conference that over a hundred costumes would be showcased within a span of two and a half hours - the first time such lavish and detailed attention will be focused on costumes in a theatre play in Islamabad.

These glimpses into the mystical, glamorous, mad world of Superstar Avatār are enough to convince theatregoers that this is a show not to be missed. So book your tickets now! Official dates for the show are July 10 to July 26, 2008, at the Islamabad Club Auditiorium.

I always wanted to fly like Mary Poppins in my childhood (probably the desire still lies deep inside me :~))

I was truly truly happy to see an advert of Mary Poppins in The News yesterday… Yipeee!

As the Event on Facebook suggests:

Now for the audiences in Pakistan, Mary poppins’ is all set and flying her way to Islamabad club from 29th May to 10th of June. Be ready to be entertained with MAGIC, MUSIC, and DANCE. A story meant for old and young alike whether you are 5 or 85, it sends out a strong message to the spectators. It promises to be like none other, from fascinating sets to flying thrills. From totally expected to unexpected things happening around, expect to see it all.

If you’ve tried to fly like Mary Poppins too … then hook onto the event.

Watch Chim Chim-ree here :~)

Ciao!

Shah Sharabeel hits the city again, this time with a musical tale to tell. The city has seen Phantom of the Opera, Moulin Rouge, You only Merry Twice , and Bombay dreams.

The group on Facebook reveals:

A love story which will sweep you of your feet… you will remember it not for days, weeks or months you will remember it for ages.. A grand Musical directed by SHAH SHARAHBEEL.

A musical you must not miss, It will lift the art of Entertainment to new Heights.

So if you feel you can act, dance, choreograph, design sets, costumes, direct … probably you can jump in to Islamabad Club at 1600 on May 11 for auditions.

More Info.

For Auditions call Tepu: 0345 589 6070

ps: Nay I wasnt paid for this post =\  If you are thinking about that … see if shah sharabeel is reading :~)

SHANAAKHT - A Nomad Forum for the Arts brings you SHALI a telefilm from the powerful series Aseer Shahzadi produced by HUM Television.
Written by Attiya Dawood, well knownwriter, activist and poet, SHALI will move your hearts and make you think and hopefully do something for these distressed and troubled souls.

A touching story pertaining to abuse against women in our male dominated society with regard to child marriages. The issues presented in these plays are of universal concern, with women being the victims of these evil practices. Sensitive issues are brought forward to make people realize the severity of the prevailing injustices to females. Shali, the 14 year old protagonist, a mere child living in the city’s slums, has no clue what it entails to be married.

Cast includes Suhaee Abro, Shazia Qamar, Rashida Yaqub, and Aslam Shaikh. Directed by Danish Nawaz.

Schedule:

Date: Tuesday, March 25 - 2008
Time: 6.30pm (doors will close at 6.15 sharp)
Duration: 50 minutes
Donation: Rs. 100 (Shanaakht members) Rs. 200 (non-members)
Venue: Nomad Gallery - 383, 8th Avenue, F-8/3, Islamabad

Note: There are a limited number of seats available…kindly call/ mail or visit to book your seat.

Nomad timing: 10am - 6pm (Monday closed)

Shanaakht membership is open, contact the Nomad reception for details.

Nageen Hyat
Director, Nomad Gallery
# 383, Eighth Avenue, F-8/3, Islamabad. Tel: 051 – 2262502

Shali in Islamabad on 25/3/08 @ NOMAD, originally uploaded by *abro*.

Refer to the original picture for more by the print media.

Shah Sharabeel’s getting ready for his next theatrical venture. If you are interested - start preparing :)

Auditions in May - June 2008.
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If you rely on IMB to give you news and you plan your weekends and weekdays then sowieee we are let :\ If not, does being late affects, NO ;-)

A bit late in reporting (two days late - to be exact) that AJOKA Theatre of Lahore is in town to entertain you all.
BTW, I’ve always been in awe how to pronounce AJOKA, is it AJOKA or Ajoo Ka?? Any ideas??

Khair, cutting the story short, the venue is our very own newly built, PNCA Hall at National Art Gallery. Supposed to be from December 8 to 11.

Seats can be booked at PNCA NAG reception from 1100 to 1600. Every drama will be staged at 6:00 pm onwards.

Today they must be showing Kala Mainda Bhains - a very interesting story as I read on Ajoka’s site.

Tomorrow is booked for Toba Tek Singh and on Tuesday, 11th December Bullah will be played again (was played on 8th).

So if you are into serious URDU theatre … dont miss your chance :-)

Ciao!

Shah Sharahbeel and his crew have done a wonderful job in reviving the theatre scene in Islamabad and the initiatives of this crew have been successful in adding a vibrant cultural essence to the capital city. With 18 hit plays such as Phantom of Opera, and Bombay Dreams under their belt in just four years time, the team has been able to establish a loyal fan following who eagerly look forward to their next act.Credit goes to Islooites as well for supporting this burgeoning form of art and showing an eclectic taste for it. As Shahrabeel pointed out himself at the end of the play that Islamabad has proved to have shown the distinction of having a taste for theatre better than Lahore or Karachi. Their recent act “Home Is Where Your Clothes Are” showing at the Islamabad Club is a highly recommended treat for your weekend.
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My friend Sasha is very jumpy these days. She gets creeped out when I talk to her in my silly horror-movie voices, and she can’t stand being left alone in a room for more than five minutes. (Friendly advice: do not sneak up behind her in the kitchen or she will slice your head off with a kitchen knife on reflex.)

What’s got Sasha so edgy, you ask?

Well, she went and saw The Good Doctor only last week, you see.

Those of you who watched The Living Picture’s second theatrical production will know what I mean. Those of you who didn’t - shame on you for missing out on an unforgettable experience. The Good Doctor ended its two-week run at the Islamabad Club last Thursday, November 9. But don’t despair. Read on for all the gory details.
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